CCSU vs. Wilkes

Comparable Facts

Compare Central Connecticut State University in New Britain, CT with Wilkes University in Wilkes-Barre, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Central Connecticut State University is larger than Wilkes based on total student enrollment (9,997 students vs. 5,381 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Central Connecticut State University is located in New Britain, CT (Large Suburban setting); Wilkes University is in Wilkes-Barre, PA (Small City setting).
• Central Connecticut State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Wilkes University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Central Connecticut State University 14:1; Wilkes University 13:1.

CCSU vs. Wilkes Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CCSU or Wilkes? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Central Connecticut State University than Wilkes ($17,528 vs. $28,511).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Central Connecticut State University are 19.1% lower than at Wilkes University ($13,086 vs. $16,166).
• Wilkes University is 233.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than CCSU (about $30,446 more per year; $43,496.00 vs. $13,050.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 162.8% higher at Wilkes than at Central Connecticut State University (about $26,946 more per year; $43,496.00 vs. $16,550.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Wilkes University than at Central Connecticut State University (100% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Wilkes University students is 220.3% larger than aid received by Central Connecticut State University students ($28,324 vs. $8,842).

CCSU vs. Wilkes Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CCSU or Wilkes? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Wilkes and CCSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Wilkes University (1140) is 60 points higher than at CCSU (1080).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central Connecticut State University 960/1190; Wilkes University 1020/1250.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsWilkes University 22/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CCSU - Test optional; Wilkes - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: CCSU Aug 26, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Wilkes students have a 0.36 point higher average high school GPA (3.56) than students at CCSU (3.2).
• Wilkes has a higher acceptance rate (90.6%) than CCSU (73.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.6% at CCSU vs. 9.3% at Wilkes.

CCSU vs. Wilkes Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CCSU and Wilkes? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Wilkes University's six-year graduation rate (58%) is higher than Central Connecticut State University's (47%).
• Graduates from Wilkes University earn a median of about $9,200 more per year than CCSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($58,200 vs. $49,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Central Connecticut State University graduates have a $3,500 lower median loan debt than Wilkes graduates ($22,500 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, CCSU graduates have an estimated $36 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Wilkes graduates ($232 vs. $268).
• More Wilkes graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CCSU students, three years after graduation. (75% vs. 63%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.